[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 64 (Monday, May 3, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E727-E728]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING BRIAN K. BETTS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 3, 2010

  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life 
and legacy of Brian K. Betts. A resident of Silver Spring, Maryland, 
Mr. Betts served his community as a teacher and principal in the 
Montgomery County and District of Columbia public school systems. 
Tragically, on April 15, 2010, Mr. Betts lost his life in an act of 
senseless violence.
  Mr. Betts was born in Manassas, Virginia to Delbert and Doris Betts. 
He attended public schools there and graduated from Stonewall Jackson 
High School. He continued his education at the University of North 
Carolina at Greensboro and Hood College, receiving his Bachelor's and 
Master's degrees, respectively.
  From the beginning of his teaching career as a middle school physical 
education teacher, Mr. Betts aspired to improve the quality of 
education in our community. With a boundless enthusiasm that motivated 
his students and gained the admiration of his peers, he made an impact 
in the lives of everyone who knew him. An unparalleled work ethic and 
passion for helping children succeed enabled Mr. Betts to quickly be 
recognized for his extraordinary talents and dedication. He was 
recognized early in his career for his outstanding leadership at 
Neelsville Middle School, located in

[[Page E728]]

Germantown, Maryland, and received the prestigious Washington Post 
Agnes Meyer Award in 1999.
  Part of what made Mr. Betts such an exceptional educator was his 
unique style of teaching that stressed self-improvement and personal 
goal-setting over more traditional teaching methods. Mr. Betts put his 
innovative teaching methods into wider use at the Loiederman Middle 
School in Silver Spring, Maryland, where he developed a magnet program 
that drew in students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds regardless 
of their academic achievement. As with most of Mr. Betts' efforts, the 
program became a rapid success. Under his guidance, the percentage of 
students with passing reading and math scores jumped by double digits 
within a two-year period.
  Eager to take on new challenges, Mr. Betts accepted a position as 
principal of Shaw Middle School at Garnet-Patterson in Washington, DC, 
and worked tirelessly each and every day to bring positive change to a 
school that had been plagued with difficulties.
  With the death of Mr. Betts, our nation has lost a rising star in the 
field of education. Yet, even in the face of this tragedy, we can take 
solace in knowing that his legacy and memory will be carried on in the 
lives of the countless students he touched and inspired.
  Mr. Betts is survived by his parents, sister, and nieces, whom we 
hope find comfort in knowing how much Brian was loved by so many 
people.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 
remarkable life of Brian K. Betts.

                          ____________________